Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer

Available 24 hours
7 days a week!


Schedule An Appointment
Leave Us A Review

Prepping Your Water Heater for Winter

Winterizing your water heater is one of the most important things a Springfield, Virginia, resident can do this season. Not sure where to start? Here are a few helpful tips.

Keep the Water Running

If you frequently experience frozen pipes, it is a good idea to keep the water running when you expect freezing temperatures. This will have minimal impact on your water bill, and it is certainly cheaper than dealing with busted pipes.

Whenever you expect an overnight freeze, turn your home’s faucets on, but only so that there is a slight but steady trickle of water. This strategy should be enough to keep the pipes from freezing.

Insulate the Pipes

For a more cost-effective solution, insulate the exterior pipes before winter sets in. Most tankless water heaters are freeze-resistant, but even their plumbing lines are prone to freezing. Whatever type of water heater you own, protect its external pipes with insulation. You can purchase dedicated pipe covers or use heat tape or heat cable, and aluminum foil.

Keep the Tank Warm

When installing a new water heater, you want to put it in a safe place where there is plenty of heat, rather than just putting it in a cold corner of the basement. If your unit isn’t in the best spot, simply keep it warm by wrapping it in insulation. You can buy water heater insulation covers or make one. These methods will increase heating efficiency so that you save energy as well as money.

Lower the Temperature

It may seem counterintuitive, but turning down your water heater’s temperature during the winter is a smart move. Lowering the temperature to around 120 degrees will save you a noticeable amount on your energy bill. There is no need to keep the temperature any higher than 120° F. Higher temperatures often result in scalding and will also increase your electricity bill.

Call Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning at 703-783-0145 for more winterizing solutions. From annual HVAC maintenance to energy-efficient heating solutions, we’ve got you covered.

Image provided by Shutterstock

You May Also Like

Confused About Heat Pump Running Constantly
September 14, 2023

Why Does My Heat Pump in Woodbridge, VA, Run Constantly?

If your heat pump has a variable-speed motor, your system will operate constantly at various capacities to save energy. But if you… Continue Reading Why Does My Heat Pump in Woodbridge, VA, Run Constantly?

Read More…

HVAC Thermostat
August 14, 2023

4 HVAC Thermostat Mistakes You Don’t Have to Make

Thermostats are a vital part of any HVAC system, but they can also be tricky to navigate. If you’re a homeowner in… Continue Reading 4 HVAC Thermostat Mistakes You Don’t Have to Make

Read More…

Pet Cat
July 17, 2023

3 Ways for Pet Owners to Maintain IAQ in Woodbridge, VA

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential to pet ownership in Woodbridge, VA. Poor IAQ can lead to various health issues for pets… Continue Reading 3 Ways for Pet Owners to Maintain IAQ in Woodbridge, VA

Read More…

Compliance Settings
Increase Font Size
Grayscale
Simplified Font
Underline Links
Highlight Links
Reset
Close